A Rare Brain Cancer Diagnosis
When Sharon Ball started experiencing severe headaches during her maternity leave after giving birth to her daughter, she initially thought it was an ear infection. However, the mother of three has since been diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer, affecting fewer than 200 people worldwide. The 38-year-old, who began suffering from painful headaches late last year, was recently diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma in her skull.
Sharon, a primary school teacher, underwent surgery and two rounds of chemotherapy. Despite these efforts, doctors found that the tumour had not responded to treatment and had regrown to its original size. As a result, a second planned operation was abandoned, prompting Sharon to seek international medical care.
Fundraising for Treatment
To cover the costs of her treatment at a leading US cancer centre, Sharon launched a GoFundMe campaign, which has raised over €750,000 so far. However, she still does not know the total cost of her care. Her cause gained attention on social media, with Irish celebrities such as Love Island star Maura Higgins, presenter Vogue Williams, and comedian Joanne McNally sharing her story. Donations poured in from around the world, highlighting the support she received.
Medical Journey and Challenges
Sharon’s tumour is located on her skull, and she underwent surgery weeks after her diagnosis at Dublin’s Neurology Centre of Excellence in Beaumont Hospital. Despite the procedure, the tumour returned to its pre-operation size after two rounds of chemotherapy. Her headaches have been persistent, especially at night and in the morning, with constant pain throughout the day.
A new operation was scheduled for March 18, but it was called off due to the cancer being deemed inoperable. Sharon’s family and friends then turned to international options, finding hope in New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Experts there were optimistic about removing the tumour entirely and planned to follow up with radon therapy, a low-dose radiation treatment, to target any remaining cancer cells.
Financial Struggles and Community Support
To receive treatment in the US, Sharon needed to pay upfront for travel and medical costs, and she still does not know the full bill. Gearóid Rennicks, a family friend, explained that the community in Bohermeen, where Sharon lives, could not raise such a large sum locally. This led to online fundraising efforts, with a 10-strong “Hope for Sharon” committee organizing donations.
Rennicks emphasized the importance of continued support, noting that the situation differs from the NHS or HSE, where the final cost remains unknown. He encouraged people to share and contribute to Sharon’s GoFundMe page, highlighting the emotional impact of the donations.
Emotional Impact and Hope
The community’s reaction to the overwhelming support has been deeply moving. Rennicks described the experience as surreal, especially given the rising cost of living. People have shown remarkable generosity, despite the challenges of running a household.
Sharon and her husband, Dermot, a plumber, have two other children: Jack, six, and four-year-old Louis. Their main priority has been their children, who have continued to live their lives with the help of friends and family.
Looking Ahead
Sharon flew to New York with Dermot for consultations, with an operation hoped for in the coming week. The journey has been challenging, but the support from the community and beyond has provided hope for the best possible outcomes. The fight against this rare cancer continues, with the entire town rallying behind Sharon and her family.
